Panchamakara

Panchamakara - known as the “five observances,” “five Ms” or “five essentials” in English - are five substances used within a Tantric practice:

Madya - wine

Matsya - fish

Mamsa - meat

Mudra - parched grain

Maithuna - sexual intercourse

These five substances used within Tantric rituals were consumed as part of the goal to release and raise shakti energy so that spiritual liberation could be achieved. Those who practice Tantra yoga may include these five observances in their practice.

Yogapedia explains Panchamakara

Within Tantric philosophy, there are two paths that interpret the panchamakara differently.

Observers of the “left-handed path” practice the panchamakara literally by consuming alcohol, meat and fish, parched grain, and sexual intercourse with orgasm restraint in order to build up kundalini energy in the top chakras.

In the practice of panchamakara, mudra does not refer to incorporating ritualistic yogic gestures. Historically, it refers to the use of drugs within this Tantric practice as all five of the substances were used by some groups to experience bliss.